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Embedded Software Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

... Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver highperformance embedded and systems software ... Develop and maintain validation infrastructure, performance benchmarks, and test harnesses for ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

... Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver ... Develop and maintain validation infrastructure, performance benchmarks, and test harnesses for ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Mundelein, IL

$134K - $176K/yr

The types of tests we orchestrate are hardware burn-in, optical quality testing in-air and in-water ... Engineering or CS degree. * Software development on an embedded device * Experience writing and ...

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site +1

$122K - $160K/yr

The Senior Embedded Software Engineer owns the full lifecycle of embedded microcontroller software ... Define test requirements and processes to ensure products meet feature and reliability requirements

... software development lifecycle. This role requires deep, hands-on expertise in functional test automation and performance engineering tools , combined with the ability to guide engineering teams and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Embedded Software Test Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21.6K

$105.3K

$154.6K

How much do embedded software test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software test engineer in Chicago, IL is $105,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,100.00 and $128,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Embedded Software Test Engineer do?

An Embedded Software Test Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and executing test plans to ensure the quality and reliability of software that runs on embedded systems, such as microcontrollers and specialized hardware. They work closely with developers to identify bugs, verify system functionality, and validate that the software meets specified requirements. Their tasks often include writing test cases, automating test scripts, and using debugging tools to ensure the embedded software performs correctly in real-world scenarios.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Software Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Software Test Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or electrical engineering, proficiency in programming languages like C/C++, and experience with embedded systems. Familiarity with testing frameworks, debugging tools, version control systems (like Git), and industry certifications such as ISTQB are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you efficiently identify issues and collaborate with development teams. These skills ensure the delivery of reliable, high-quality embedded software in safety- and performance-critical environments.

What is the difference between Embedded Software Test Engineer vs Firmware Test Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Software Test EngineerFirmware Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related; knowledge of testing toolsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related; experience with firmware testing
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems development labs, hardware-in-the-loop setupsEmbedded device labs, hardware testing environments
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, aerospaceConsumer electronics, IoT devices, industrial equipment
Common Search IntentTesting embedded software functionalitiesTesting firmware on embedded hardware

Embedded Software Test Engineers focus on verifying the functionality of embedded software running on hardware devices, often involving hardware-in-the-loop testing. Firmware Test Engineers primarily test the firmware that directly interacts with hardware components. While both roles require similar technical skills and work environments, their focus areas differ slightly, with embedded software testing emphasizing software validation and firmware testing concentrating on low-level hardware interactions.

How does an Embedded Software Test Engineer typically collaborate with hardware teams during the development process?

Embedded Software Test Engineers frequently work closely with hardware teams to ensure the seamless integration of software and hardware components. Collaboration often involves joint debugging sessions, sharing test results, and aligning on hardware specifications and constraints. Effective communication is essential, as engineers must rapidly address issues that arise during hardware-software integration and update test cases based on hardware changes. This collaborative approach helps ensure the final product meets both functional and reliability standards.
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Embedded Software Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Test Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,308 per year, or $50.6 per hour.
Staff Software Embedded Engineer

Staff Software Embedded Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$169K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

As a Staff Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the RF Business Unit. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.

Basic Qualifications for Staff Embedded Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 10+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.)
  • Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or VxWorks Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++11
  • Knowledge with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile.
  • Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware.
  • Experience with complex systems of systems that utilize Parallel Processing, Multi-Threading, Distributed Processing, Multi-Core, System-on-Chip, and Secure Processing.
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.
Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939